US-Iran deal reached without fanfare, mediated by Pakistan

A deal has been struck between the United States and Iran to begin ending their conflict, facilitated by Pakistan's mediation. The agreement, officially termed the 'Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding,' was finalized electronically, bypassing the traditional photo opportunities, solemn handshakes, or in-person signings typically associated with such diplomatic milestones.

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Trump assured on Wednesday that he had signed the agreement in the Palace of Versailles, in France, where he was after his passage through the G7 summit.

The mediation process, which spanned nearly three months, was characterized by urgent message exchanges, uncertain meetings, and the active involvement of key Pakistani figures. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Army Chief Asim Munir served as intermediaries, relaying communications between Washington and Tehran.

While the memorandum bears the name of Islamabad, it was not signed there. Instead, the leaders of the U.S. and Iran signed the document remotely, each from their own locations. This remote signing replaced a planned ceremony in Switzerland. The agreement's announcement also saw some digital missteps, including an edited tweet from Prime Minister Sharif that initially mentioned a ceremony in Switzerland, which was later removed.

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Sharif later announced that the memorandum had been electronically signed by the presidents of both countries and endorsed by him as mediator, in a mixed victory for Pakistan that, after months of work, was left without the coveted “family photo” as guarantor of peace.

Before reaching this memorandum, Pakistan focused on maintaining dialogue between the two nations, who had been exchanging indirect messages, military threats, and doubts about returning to negotiations. Sharif provided the political face for the effort, Dar managed the diplomatic framework, and Munir lent the weight of the Pakistani military.

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Draft – PM of Pakistan’s message on X